Youth Sports Questions Answered
Youth sports have grown dramatically over the last decade, from recreation sports to year-round travel/league teams. Many parents are faced with questions about youth sports for their children at an early age. Our team has answered some of the common questions we hear from parents with the help of suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Should I allow my child to quit a team?
A child's enthusiasm for a sport can wane at times. A challenging coach, unhappiness at not getting to play as much as she would want, or a mismatch between her physical stature and the athletes she plays against could all make her participation in the activity unpleasant.
In cases like this, find out the exact reasons why your child wants to quit. Listen to her and discuss her concerns. Working together, decide on the best course of action. Although it may not be wise for your child to make a habit of avoiding difficult situations, dropping out of a program may be the most sensible option in some instances.
If my child is having trouble keeping her grades up, should she still be permitted to participate in sports?
Generally speaking, the answer is "yes." Every child needs to engage in some form of physical activity each day, and many people find it difficult to concentrate on their academic work without this physical outlet. However, if practices and other sports-related obligations are too great, discuss with the coach how much time your child needs to spend on academics.
Another crucial aspect to consider is that kids who struggle in school sometimes need a boost to their self-esteem, which sports frequently offer. As they feel a sense of accomplishment in athletics, this renewed self-confidence can often carry over to other areas of their life, including academics.
My child is finding her sports participation too stressful. How can I alleviate her anxiety?
Sports can be stressful, but so can other childhood activities, such as school exams and band solos. However, it would be best if you tried to minimize the stress in your child's athletic endeavors in the following ways:
Emphasize that sports participation is fun; do not let a "win at all cost" attitude interfere with your child's enjoyment of the game.
Let your youngster know that she is not being judged by her success (or lack of it) on the athletic field. When she strikes out or misses a free throw, be supportive and praise her for trying her best.
Help your child improve her athletic skills, which will reduce her stress levels during competition; if necessary, ask for some outside instruction from a cooperative coach.
Stay away from coaches who are abusive toward your child.
Speak with other parents to see if a common problem needs to be addressed.